The North Dakota State Fair is the largest event in North Dakota and brings thousands of visitors every year. We always have fun with the rides, concerts, and of course, the food, but every year they have new events and entertainment.

Take a look at what’s new.

The NDSF will have the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit.

Since it’s launching in 2013, the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit has educated over 250,000 people in 30 states across the nation, as well as parts of Canada, on what happened on that dreadful day. The exhibit is a high-technology, 53-foot tractor-trailer that expands into a 1,000 square foot visual display. Guided tours by first responders who were at Ground Zero will be offered at no cost from noon to 7pm all nine days of the Fair. As this is a very integral part of United States history, we at the North Dakota State Fair are excited to generate more education on this event and are thrilled to offer this exhibit to all fairgoers.

The North Dakota State Fair will also bring new competitions and free stage entertainment!

ZuZu African Acrobats

If you see a spontaneous display of acrobatics and dancing on the fairgrounds, don’t be alarmed. That’s the ZuZu African Acrobats, a five-member team from Kenya that combines aerial acrobatics with high-energy dancing!

Kachunga Alligator Show

Watch as Kachunga, a real American Bushman who dares to step foot into the wet domain of the alligator apprehends a ferocious man-eating reptile with his bare hands.

Majestik Spectacular

This daring and death-defying thrill show, featuring the Globe of Death with motorcycle tricks and acrobatics, will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Bargain Bites

Looking for tasty fair food at a bargain? Bargain Bites gives all food vendors a chance to highlight food items for sale for $5 and under. The best part is, the tastiest Bargain Bite is decided by you! You can vote for your favorite beginning Friday, July 20.

Magic City Hoagies State Fair Sammy Contest

You have a chance to create the official sandwich of the 2018 Fair! Children ages 7-12 can sign up to create a savory sandwich creation using ingredients provided by Magic City Hoagies and Cloverdale Meats. Judges will select a winning sandwich, with a chance to be added to the Magic City Hoagies menu.

Nature’s Nook Crazy Aaron’s Contest

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty allows you to create your own non-toxic, non-residue putty in any color and design you can think of. Every attendee will receive a Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty kit absolutely free, with putty, colors, and other fun ways to make your own putty creation. Ages 3-14.

The North Dakota State Fair is where summer shines! Don’t miss out on the fun this year, the fair starts on July 20 and lasts until July 28.

Basically a dream every North Dakotan wishes for, and more. But it doesn’t have to be a dream, it could be your reality! All you have to do is one simple thing…go to this link, http://ndvipgetaway.com/.

All you have to do is enter, and this $3,500 valued package could be yours. You could win the Ultimate ND VIP Getaway and discover why North Dakota is legendary!

The CP Holiday Train is chugging into Minot and is the perfect way to transport into the holiday spirit.

The festive train arrives on December 14 around 6:45-7:15 p.m. at Main Street Crossing in Downtown Minot. This event is free and open to the public. With the warm weather, we’ve been having this is a great year to see the train as it chugs into town.

The Holiday Train is around 1,000 feet long and has 14 decked-out cars making it a truly magical sight. The thousands of LED lights that cover the train are never turned off, except for when the train passes through customs.

Once the train arrives–though known to be a tad late–the side doors of one of the cars opens up to become a stage for a cheery musical performance. This year’s performers are Terri Clark, Dallas Smith, and Kelly Prescott.

After the first song, a short presentation takes place with a selected local food bank and a city official after which, the show carries on.

The Holiday Train is about more than just holiday spirit. Put on by Canada Pacific, dating and giving back is the true destination.

Minot Area Homeless Coalition executive director Mac McLeod organizes the event and is excited about what the people of Minot can do when they come together.

“When the holiday train comes in, its to raise awareness of hunger and to benefit one of the local food pantries. Food pantries get hit hard during the holiday season,” McLeod said.

McLeod said the train is a wonderful thing to bring attention to their food pantries as the pantries are “hit hard” during the holiday season.

At the event, there will be a donation center put on by Minot Community Foundation who will give all donations to the Lord’s Cupboard–this year’s chosen beneficiary. Acceptable donations are all non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations.

There will also be a small concession stand hosted by Minot Area Homeless Coalition at the event where all items are paid for by free-will donation. Every dollar spent at the Holiday Train event goes right back into the community.

Some special guests will also make an appearance when the Holiday Train arrives. Mayor Chuck Barney will be at the event as he does almost every year. Santa will also be there and will be available for photos.

Since their start in 1999, the CP Holiday Train has raised more than $13 million CAD and $4 million pounds of food for North American food banks.

Let’s keep the donating train going and see the magical Holiday Train this year.

There is a lot to do in Minot this holiday season on top of the Holiday Train. Make sure to check out Sertoma Christmas in the Park light display located in Oak Park/, and the Olson family home for a light-display of a lifetime located at 1500 52nd Ave SW, Minot ND.

Calling all ghouls, goblins, vampires, and zombies! Minot has something for everyone this Halloween weekend! Whether you are big or small, Halloween can be a spook-tacular event. Check out some of the awesome Halloween festivities happening throughout Minot.

Syfy’s Ghost Hunters Paranormal Lecture
October 25 – The Grand Hotel, 8:30 PM – 10 PM
Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, Dustin Pari will host a lecture about paranormal activities, ending with question and answer segment and a meet and greet. The event is $10.oo and doors will open at 8PM.

Haunted Halloween Family Event
October 27 – Central Ally Ramp, Downtown Minot, 4:30PM – 8 PM
Explore 9-different haunted rooms that are each decorated by Minot non-profits. You can choose how many rooms to explore. Each featured room is only $1 to enter with all the proceeds going back to that non-profit. This event is family friendly, so there is just the right amount of scary for kids! In addition to the haunted rooms, there will be voting for the “The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest” where those in attendance can vote ($1 per vote) for their favorite carved, or decorated a pumpkin with prizes being awarded based on categories up to $750. Voting will continue during the Haunted Parking Garage Party the next evening as well.

Downtown Minot Zombie Pub Crawl
October 27 – Downtown Minot, 6 PM – 1 AM
Join the Zombie Pub Crawl in Downtown Minot for great fun, prizes and drink specials at each of the 9 participating locations. A fun night for adults 21 and over. Minot’s Little Chicago Pub District will have punch cards at each location, and get your punch card punched for a chance at a gift basket. This event is free to attend, and of course, costumes are expected.

Boo at the Zoo
October 28 – Roosevelt Park Zoo, 1 PM – 4 PM
The annual Boo at the Zoo will host more than 20 corporate members on the Trick or Treat Trail for kiddos. Each business will have treats for the attendees. Children are encouraged to come in costume!

Haunted Garage Party
October 28 – Central Ally Ramp, 6 PM – 1AM
This 21+ event is back for a second year after last year’s success. Attendees can plan to do the monster mash with the band ‘Drop Dead Center’ and DJ Chad who will be mixing beats the rest of the evening. The costume contest will pay out cash for the top three prizes, and all attendees have a chance at a Delta Vacation package valued at $1,600. Winners announced at midnight. Tickets are limited this year, so be sure to get one if you haven’t already.

Check out last years recap video…

NAFME’s 3rd Annual Haunted House
October 28 – Lower Level, Old Main, Minot State University, 7 PM – 11PM
The Minot State University student branch of the National Association for Music Education is hosting its 3rd Annual Haunted House. Young adults (ages 14 and up) and adults can wander through the haunted halls of the Music Department at the Old Main building at Minot State University and experience room after room of spooky and scary scenes complete with gruesome special effects and actors. Entry is $5 per person.

Family Fun Night
October 31 – West Minot Church of God, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Bring your family out for a night of fun at the West Minot Church of God. There will be games, inflatables, a cake walk, Chili & Hot Dogs, and lots of candy & prizes! Wear your costume and have your picture taken in our photo booth. This is a free event.

Minot State University’s outdoor amphitheater is getting put to work this summer as MSU presents “Summertime Magic of Rockin’ on the Hill.”

Minot State University presents Season 52 this summer at their outdoor amphitheater.

Artistic director Chad Gifford said the name “Summertime Magic of Rockin’ on the Hill” derived from the magical essence of this summer’s performances combined with the season’s boisterous grand finale.

The 52 season of Summer Theatre will showcase four all-time audience favorites: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, and Rock of Ages.

“One of the things we think is key about our whole production here is that it’s summertime. We’re outdoors, it’s a very unique kind of thing. So we took all of those pieces and came up with Summertime Magic,” Gifford said.

Three of the shows will be put on by Minot State’s Theater group, but another, smaller group will be taking the stage as well. Alice in Wonderland will be performed by Make a Scene kids theater group.

“We have a real huge growing population of young people that just want to be on stage,” Gifford said.

Here is this summer’s schedule:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: June 12-16

Follow your old pals Hermia and Lysander on their quest in this playful Shakespearean remake by managing director Dr. Ali Smith. This spinoff takes you on a whirlwind of an adventure in just one night where you may meet some fairies and…donkeys? The production is great for all ages.

Alice in Wonderland: June 20-23

Behind the scenes look of the whimsical props for this season.

“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked.

“Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”

“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice.

“You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.”

Brought to you by Plays for Young Audiences, experience a magical world where anything can happen. It is suggested you bring your tea hat.

Wizard of Oz: June 27-July 3

See your favorite lions and tigers and bears during this musical journey. Directed by Michelle Spencer Davidson, this performance will bring you down the yellow brick road while sitting in Minot State’s beautiful outdoor theatre. The show may be so captivating you won’t know if you’re in North Dakota anymore…

]]>http://blog.visitminot.org/2017/06/09/behind-the-scenes-of-summertime-magic-of-rockin-on-the-hill/feed/0Mother’s Day Weekend: Things to do with Momhttp://blog.visitminot.org/2017/05/08/mothers-day-weekend-things-to-do-with-mom/
http://blog.visitminot.org/2017/05/08/mothers-day-weekend-things-to-do-with-mom/#respondMon, 08 May 2017 19:30:02 +0000http://blog.visitminot.org/?p=5954

Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 46 countries across the globe. People celebrate Mother’s Day to recognize and honor their moms. Mother’s Day in 2017 is on Sunday, May 14th. Spend special time with your mom and give thanks to all that Mom’s do for all of us. Here are things to do with your mom this Mother’s Day weekend in Minot

Elevation: Mother’s Day Brunch

Elevation offers Mother’s Day Brunch on May 14 and serves its new menu. The Brunch is served between 10 am to 2 pm with bottomless Mimosa’s. Also, there will be a special gift for each mom who comes in to eat on Mother’s Day! Reservations are recommended.

2nd Annual Mother’s Day Celebration: Craft and Vendor Shows

The 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Celebration will be held on May 13th at North Dakota State Fair. There will be over 100 exhibitor booths with crafts, baked goods, and direct sales companies that all have a unique variety to choose from. Come get your mom a special gift!

Roosevelt Park Zoo

Roosevelt Park Zoo offers free admission for mothers on Mother’s Day from 10 am to 6 pm. Walk around the zoo, check out the animals, including the new baby Japanese Serow, it’s a girl! Spend quality time with your mom.

Music Starts and Classic Cars

The event will run two days and will feature a daily car show at the Dakota Square Mall from 1PM-5PM, and the concert that evening at the Pepsi Rink at the MAYSA. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the night with the family! For more information, click here.

12th Annual BLT Day

Get plants and flowers raised by Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch residents and staff on May 13 from 11 a.m -0 1 p.m.Purchase vegetable and floral plants, ornamental grasses, herbs, hanging plants, and planters. The plants are raised by Ranch residents and staff, and the planters are built by Ranch residents. You can even bring your own planters/containers, purchase our plants, and they will pot them for you. For more information, click here.

Minot is excited to welcome Music Stars & Classic Cars on May 12 and 13. The brand new event will run two days and will feature a daily car show at the Dakota Square Mall from 1PM-5PM, and the concert that evening at the Pepsi Rink at the MAYSA. The doors for the concert will open at 5:30 PM and the concert will start at 7 PM! (More information about the car show below!)

Now, this won’t be one of those concerts where you sit around …. the night’s MC, Al Brady has guaranteed that the crowd will be up dancing and enjoying some of the classic tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Each evening you will get different music, from your favorite acts, so come dressed to impress in your favorite classic clothes from the decade including poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and of course a neck scarf!

Each evening’s acts in the line-up have headlined major venues all over the country and had their influential mark on musical history. The musical acts are listed below with a couple classic songs you may recognize!

Tickets are also available locally at Marketplace Foods and the Visit Minot Office.

Car Show

If you enter a car or motorcycle into the car show at the Dakota Square Mall, we will discount your concert admission ticket to $45. Please, only one discount per household. We will have 3 people’s choice awards given out at the car show:

iMagicon, Minot’s annual comic/gaming convention, is a gathering of pop culture enthusiasts. iMagicon hits all generation from teenagers to retired people. With combination and celebration of fandom, people come and celebrate their passions and share their interests including comic books, sci-fi, gaming, and fantasy.

iMagican this year will be held on April 28-30 at Holiday Inn-Riverside and it features Cosplay contests, LAN parties, a variety of guests, panels, competitions, board gaming and shopping.

Handcrafted Cosplay Contest

Cosplay is the combination of two words: costume and play. In Cosplay Contest, people dress up their handmade costumes as a character from a movie, book, or video game. Express things you love and enjoy the attention of portraying your favorite characters in Cosplay. The registration opens till April 20. For more information about Cosplay rules, click here.

LAN parties

LAN parties will be held on Friday night from 6 pm to 10 pm. People connect their computer or game consoles with local area network and enjoy playing video games together. It is open gaming and you can enjoy various games like League of Legends, Rainbow 6 Siege, and Overwatch. Bring your computers and get ready to enjoy!

Special Guests: Meet the Stars

Warren Simons- Editor-In-Chief of Valiant Entertainment: leading creative voice in the comics community

Mark Starks- Filmmaker and Author: creator of the “Martian” motion comic book series

TJ Dillashaw- UFC Fighter: cast on the 14th Season of The Ultimate Fighter

With spring on the horizon and warmer weather on its way, we came up with 100 things for you to do in Minot this year. Form eateries, to museums, the State Fair and Norsk Hostfest, we will keep you busy for all of 2017. Do you think you could do them all? Let us know in the comments section below.

Ride the Ferris Wheel at the North Dakota State Fair.

Check out Movie in the Park in June, July, and August.

Visit the Red Pandas at the Roosevelt Park Zoo.

Try the pulled pork sandwich at The Starving Rooster.

Try the Hemlock drink which is served with a Buzz Button Flower at Elevation.

Experience Hibachi at ND Asia.

Check out the hand carved work in the Gol Stav Church at the Scandinavian Heritage Park.

Headed to the Magic City for a romantic getaway over Valentine’s Day? There are a number of fun ideas for couples, friends, and family to make Valentine’s Day more special. From traditional romance to a laidback staycation, there are many ways to make your significant other, feel special.

1. Classic Flowers and Special Bouquets

Send a bouquet this Valentine’s Day where the flowers will make someone’s day! Minot’s local flower shops will deliver fresh arrangements, gift baskets, flower bouquets, and gourmet chocolates to your love. Here is a listing of the flower shops in Minot.

Elevation located at the Minot Country Club is taking reservations for the holiday. They are offering 2 dinner features: Filet with a shrimp mornay sauce topped with fried onions and fresh flown in coconut Florentine grouper with asparagus. Being featured for dessert is a Molten Lava Cake. Their featured drink for the evening is a Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini.
(701)-837-0338

10 North Main: Dinner Reservations required, and they are filling up fast. There will be dinner specials available.
(701) 837-1010

4. Spas

Spas are a relaxing retreat that can give you the perfect amount of balance for a busy lifestyle. Rejuvenate your mind and body with massage, and enjoy time in a sauna or hot tubs. Check out all the spas in Minot.

Whether you are coming in for an overnight getaway or a staycation, a quiet night can mean a romantic night. Two hotels in Minot are offering Valentine’s Day specials. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson is featuring a romance package for Valentine’s Week and The Grand Hotel is offering a couples escape and a family getaway package.